From ally to enemy

Rise and fall of Ali Abdullah Saleh

March 21 1942

Ali Abdullah Saleh is born near Sana’a.

Sept 26 1962

Joins young army officers to overthrow North Yemen’s royal family and helps proclaim the birth of the Yemen Arab Republic.

June 24 1978

President assassinated and Saleh, then a senior general, takes over.

May 22 1990

North and South Yemen unified and Saleh becomes president of the entire country.

The

June 18 2004

Houthi rebels rise up against government. Insurgency is ongoing.

March 21 2015

Houthi rebels and forces loyal to Saleh seize control of Sanaa and northern Yemen. Saudi Arabia begins strikes against the Houthis and accuses Iran of supplying arms.

Nov 30 2017

Houthi-saleh alliance begins to unravel and the two sides start fighting in the streets of Sana’a.

Dec 4 2017

Saleh killed by Houthi forces.